30 Incredible Examples of Urban Decay Photography
During the lifespan of a city, certain events take place that cause buildings and areas to become abandoned. With nobody around to provide upkeep or maintenance on the structures of these areas, things begin to fall into disrepair. This is known as urban decay. At first glance, these decrepit environments may seem hopeless. However, through the lens of a camera, a talented photographer can reveal beauty in the most unlikely of places.
Here are 30 incredible examples of urban decay photography. These photos are a great source of inspiration and possess many impressive qualities, including an abundance of interesting textures.
Make sure you click on each photo to see a larger version and learn more about each of the talented photographers behind the cameras.
Related Posts
Here's some other articles that you will definitely find useful.
30 Inspiring Examples of Black and White Photography
25 Inspiring Examples of Macro Photography
Inspiring Symmetrical Photography
HDR Photos by Trey Ratcliff
30 Wonderful Examples of Seascape Photography
40 comments
Dakshina
February 10, 2010This is awesome!!!!
Webdesign Rosenheim
February 10, 2010Wow!
Very nice collection!
I like the one with the chalkboard the most!
Thanks for sharing
Dimi
February 10, 2010That is some truly beautiful shots, thanks for putting this post together!
Don
February 10, 2010Seeing many of this type of photo together shows me how gorgeous they can be. One every now and then I have easily glossed over. I need to try this, thank you!
insic
February 10, 2010Beautiful images.
Amit
February 10, 2010brilliant composition in all the pics..amazing perspective,unusual place.. lovely contrast in the 10th pic..
simon
February 10, 2010too much hdr in my opinion
Jesse
February 10, 2010Yep. Way too much HDR.
Bradley L. Garrett
February 11, 2010I agree. Nice images but we are overloaded with dereliction in HDR.
Kristen
February 12, 2010I’m sure the locations are amazing without the HDR. Its unnecessary, looks ridiculous and way too overused.
mdz
February 27, 2010I agree, too much HDR. I would much rather see shots with less post-processing. I’m not sure some of the didn’t have additional textures and ‘vintage’ type filters put on to enhance the decayed look. Which is fine, except I was expecting to see real urban decay, not imaginary one.
julio Rivera
February 10, 2010beautiful images
Jordan Walker
February 10, 2010Bring on the grunge!
Lara
February 10, 2010These are so inspiring! I love urban decay photos!
Kae
February 10, 2010Amazing pictures! Great shots : )
jkiel
February 10, 2010Thanks for sharing – I love ratty old buildings, love to shoot them, love to look at them…
Chris Luckhardt
February 10, 2010Some fine photography, but I agree with some of the other comments – too much HDR. I’ve done a bit of that, but try not to go too overboard with it. I run an urban exploration group; here are a few of my pics.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/2420604302/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/2730163008/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/3289108633/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/450393734/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/2417576067/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/2824024265
http://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/2978874235
http://www.flickr.com/photos/motionblur/3217497036/
Imee
February 13, 2010Pretty good shots you got here. I especially like the one captioned Cargill Blues.
Rufhausen
February 10, 2010The HDR is way over the top. I’d prefer more naturally looking photos.
Randy Little
February 11, 2010They are no longer photo’s once you have ADDED lighting elements that didn’t exist and shouldn’t be labeled as such. they are very nice Illustrations that use photography and they are beautiful What they are not is any kind of truth about the locations.
Michele
February 11, 2010These are absolutely stunning! An inspiration!
Imee
February 13, 2010Astounding… I’m a big fan of when something not so good is turned into something beautiful. These can be great for high fashion photoshoots and even album inserts :]
David
February 22, 2010These examples are utterly stunning. I have a real passion for urban decay photography although none of my photos come even close. http://www.flixelpix.com/?s=barbour inspirational, the school photo is my favourite.
Dorothy Melvin
February 27, 2010Fantastic!
I would like also to recomend this brazilian website specialized in show pictures of decay places in Sao Paulo, largest brazilian city:
http://www.saopauloabandonada.com.br
Unfortunately is in portuguese only yet, but photos are universal language, right ?
Zeroy
February 27, 2010Nice pics!!!
charmdeyes
February 27, 2010Thank you, really beautiful, like standing
still in time.
GeoTrouvetout
March 3, 2010Some of my humble photographies on the same topic:
http://picasaweb.google.com/seb.geotrouvetout/Friches_industrielles?feat=directlink
A friend of mine’s:
http://www.gazolina-artline.com/christophe-livonnen/archives/abandon
jmleclercq
April 4, 2010Great collection !
Jean-Michel
pixeltarian
April 12, 2010are you should this shouldn’t be called “30 decent HDR photos” ???
I would very much like to see natural shots of these photos. HDR always looks like the latest 3D video game. can’t stand it really.
Thomas
May 18, 2010Like a lot. Looks ancient and urban.
Abigail Pereira
May 25, 2010i love ALL the pics ..
and thanks for post this … its realy an inspiration :’)
Buzz
July 2, 2010Pretty good shots you got here. I especially like the one captioned Cargill Blues.
TwitterBackgrounds
July 23, 2010Love the photos
They are stunning. Who knew that decay could be that beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Julie
July 26, 2010Amazing! Who are the photographers?
Ruby Lee
September 18, 2010can only repeat what others have said – this is a beautiful collection of imagery
c
September 29, 2010HDR!!!!!! all look enhanced, to the point of cliche.
Matt Sandy
November 12, 2010Definitely some amazing photos, but I think for these the really amazing part is the post work done on them. I especially love the one with the couches.
Francisco Costa
May 19, 2011Very Nice!
Jahangir
July 30, 2011Grungy effects are the quality of these urban photographs.
Mark - Devon Wedding Photographer
December 6, 2011There are some amazing photographers out there. I stick to weddings and portraits and really can’t do architectural stuff justice but these are wonderful to look at. The composition, use of light and post production are rocking. I’m just trying to figure using locations like this and putting a beautiful bride in, would look pretty cool.